State College, PA – Women's team showed grit and determination with 2nd half try versus Life University
On a beautiful Saturday for rugby, the Nittany Lions faced a challenging match and fell 64-13 to the dynamic Life University side.
Penn State started slowly, conceding a try just 5 minutes into the match. After that, the team settled in and displayed immense grit and physicality. They defended for 10 minutes, much of which was inside their 22 and on their own try line. A turnover to Life during a lineout on the 5-meter line resulted in Life's second try.
In the subsequent 20 minutes, both teams traded possession. Both teams utilized their kicking game to play rugby in the opposition's half. Penn State had ample opportunities to advance down the field through penalties but couldn't capitalize on their three 22-meter entries. The team fiercely defended until the half's end, highlighted by a stellar try-saving tackle from Sophomore Outside Center, Julia Minnich.
Undeterred, Penn State entered the 2nd half determined to score. Life scored first, but Senior Wing, Darby Miller, slotted a penalty kick shortly afterward. The 2nd half was largely one-sided, but Penn State continued to back themselves and were rewarded with a try by Sophomore Inside Center, Amelia Green. Green made a significant impact off the bench, demonstrating excellent work rate and physicality as a ball carrier. Amelia's try was set up by a strategic kick in the 22 by Senior Fullback & Captain, Miranda Heffelfinger, allowing Amelia to score in the corner. Heffelfinger converted the try from the sideline and also took the last Penalty Kick of the game, rounding out Penn State's 13 points.
Penn State will have the opportunity to put the weekend's learnings into their spring matchup against Life University, scheduled for February 24th in Marietta, GA. Join the team at home this weekend Saturday, October 7th at 11am versus Queens University of Charlotte for Friends and Family weekend.
Tries
Amelia Green
Conversions
Miranda Heffelfinger
Penalty Kicks
Darby Miller
Miranda Heffelfinger
Fans are encourage to follow the team on social media @PennStateWRugby on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X. Matches will also be live-streamed on the VEO Live app. Go to the Veo app and follow "Penn State Women's Rugby." Links to download the app are below.
Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/veo-live/id1573754839
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.veo.live&hl=en&gl=US&pli=1
Support the teams 2023-2024 season by donating to the PSU Rugby Booster Club or via The Nittany Lion Club (can also TEXT: PSUWRugby to 41444 to donate).